Mathew preached through chapter 2 of the Book of Nehemiah:
Nehemiah, on hearing the news of the devastation of Jerusalem's walls and gates desired to do something about it, but what could he do? As Nehemiah position of Cup-Bearer to the king and the responsibility that went along with it he began to realise that he only had one option, to risk his life and speak with the King.
Nehemiah was grief-stricken when he heard about the walls and cried out to God. The opportunity did not happen as soon as he wanted (on the same day he heard the news!) God made Nehemiah wait for four months before giving him the opportunity to talk to the king.
God's wisdom in the delay meant that Nehemiah could consider prayerfully and plan what he needed to do, what he needed to say to the King and how he could accomplish the mamouth task of rebuilding the walls and taking away the discrace and the Same upon the God of Israel.
When the time came it was not Nehemiah's asking but the Kings that broke the silence. The king asked Nehemiah why he was so sad, a sadness of the soul... this opened the door to his adventure and showed God's power and care for him and the Israelites. But it was only after four months of grieving, fasting and praying that the king noticed Nehemiah's sadness and asked him what was wrong. Nehemiah was able to tell the king what he wanted and the king gave him everything he asked for.
This demonstrated God's sovereignty over all men, Kings and cup-bearers!
The message brought out the faithfulness of God to his promises and the fulfilment of prophecy through human agents. God promised that because of sin and becoming like the World he would scattere the Israelites, but He also promised that when the time came He would cause a remnant to return to Jerusalem and it is in partial fulfilment to these promises that we learn in Nehemiah, God is Sovereign, He is in control and yet he responds to the crys and the prayers of His people.
Finally, Jesus Christ said in the New Testament, that He would build His Church... and the Gates of Hell would not prevail against it! God is building up Devonport Baptist Church ... he has not abandoned us, and we will see his Glory!
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